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It’s Black History and Black Futures Month, and we’ve put together this list of events and activities that explore the histories and look towards the futures of Ontario’s Black communities.
For the Film Buff
Check out the ninth annual Toronto Black Film Festival, which runs until February 21st. The festival, which showcases outstanding Black films, will be screening 154 films from 25 countries this year.
On February 18th, tune in to Reelworld Film Festival’s webinar “Honouring Our History: The Importance of Sharing Canadian Black Stories,” which will feature members of the team from upcoming CBC series The Porter.
To Explore Local Histories
Learn about Oakville’s Black History while you walk around the grounds of the Oakville Museum. Their permanent exhibition Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History, is now on display along their front windows and grounds.
Explore Ontario’s Black heritage with bestselling author of Washington Black Esi Edugyan, and take a virtual visit to Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site in Dresden.
Take a Tour of Little Jamaica, Toronto’s first Caribbean community, with Heritage Toronto. Emerging Historian, Channon Oyeniran, Vice President of the Ontario Black History Society, developed this virtual tour.
To Listen to Black Storytellers
Tune in to CBC Gem to watch The Obsidian Theatre Company’s 21 Black Futures, an anthology of 21 filmed monodramas from 21 multigenerational Black playwrights across Canada.
Check out the Ontario Black History Society’s Black History Month Speaker Series. The session on February 23 features storytellers Sandra Whiting and Kesha Christie.
Feature Image: Reggae Lane Mural by Adrian Hayles and STEPS Public Art in Little Jamaica, Toronto